Ponce Premium Spring Water®

Florida's springs actually do make one feel more alive and younger feeling. This is likely how the "fountain of youth" story originated and became a legend as the famous Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León explained the phenomenon to the King and Queen of Spain. It is only fair to give credit and recognition where credit is due…..and it is truly fitting for the bottled water to have his name…..thus Ponce Premium Spring Water was born.

From the Governor's Mansion Foundation comes "Viva La Florida," a cookbook commemorating Florida's 500-year anniversary! This is the third book from the Mansion Foundation and it celebrates our state's great history and fabulous food.

The Mansion Foundation produced 3,000 "Viva La Florida" cookbooks (at no taxpayer expense). All proceeds go to support the Foundation and their preservation of state history. The "Viva La Florida" cookbook costs $53.75 plus shipping (tax included).

To order a cookbook, please contact Carol Beck at 850-717-9345.

A series of twelve scholarly, well-researched essays examine the rich and substantial African American heritage of Florida, documenting African American contributions to the state's history from the colonial era to the late twentieth century. 402 pgs Paperback 46 B&W photos

Viva 500 Ponce De León Tie

In her legendary signature style, Jane Davis Doggett has designed a commemorative tie for Florida’s 500th anniversary. This 100% silk tie captures the visual representation of Florida’s past 500 years and its nod to the ever-present Spanish influence, with its eye-catching colors and symbols from the Spanish coat of arms, portraying the modern world and the memory of the Old World. Jane Davis Doggett attended the Yale School of Art and Architecture in the 1950s and studied graphic design and architecture to broaden her world of inspiration. She is one of the pioneering female graphic designers in the world and is the creator of the airport way finders.

Book: First Encounters

Spanish Explorations in the Caribbean and the United States, 1492-1570. Edited by Jerald T. Milanich and Susan Milbrath

Drawing on the most recent historical and archaeological research, First Encounters describes the period of early Spanish contact with New World peoples. These highly readable essays reports original research and investigations mounted over the last ten years, a decade of remarkable breakthroughs in our knowledge about the significant events in the first decades after 1492. Over 150 illustrations of rare artifacts and an extensive bibliography enrich this entertaining and informative volume. 232 pps

2013 Viva Florida 500 Florida Governor's Mansion Ornaments

Replicated in a stunning 24kt gold finish and crafted in the USA, this ornament commemorates the 500th anniversary of European arrival in Florida. This eleventh in the ongoing Collector’s Edition Ornament series comes attractively gift-boxed with descriptive literature and makes the perfect holiday gift for family, friends, and business associates.

2012 La Florida: First in Discoveries Holiday Ornament

Florida has been at the forefront of innovation and discovery since Spanish explorers first stepped ashore in 1513. This tenth in the ongoing Collector’s Edition Ornament series features many of Florida “Firsts.” Replicated in a stunning 24kt gold finish, crafted in the USA, and attractively gift-boxed with descriptive literature, this year’s ornament makes the perfect holiday gift for family, friends, and business associates.

Viva Florida Perfume - Florida by Day

A fresh citrus unisex scent

French master perfumer Christian Louis, one of only 27 with this title in the world, created the Viva Florida Perfumes to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the State of Florida. “I tried to create a perfume that leaves a memory of Florida,” Louis says. Louis has been dubbed “The Mozart of Perfumes” and follows the tradition of the 19th century perfumeries. All of his perfumes are created with a minimum of 80% natural essential oils. Numbered commemorative bottles of perfume are available

Viva Florida Perfume - Florida by Night

A sultry spicy scent for women

French master perfumer Christian Louis, one of only 27 with this title in the world, created the Viva Florida Perfumes to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the State of Florida.

The bottles are designed by the prominent artist Bashmakoff, who has established his reputation of creating luxury bottles for the biggest perfume houses in the world. The bottles display children’s drawings of scenes from the Sunshine State.